US State Department Approves Sale of 48 F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department announced Thursday its approval for the sale of 48 F-35A fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal valued at approximately $24 billion. The transaction still requires congressional approval.

Under the terms of the agreement, the jets will be sold without certain components, preventing Saudi Arabia from making modifications to the aircraft's systems. U.S. officials stated the sale aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's deterrence and self-defense capabilities amid escalating conflict with the Houthis and to enhance operational coordination with U.S. and NATO forces.

U.S. officials also sought to reassure Israel, asserting that the deal would not disrupt the regional military balance. They further indicated that the sale would not compromise U.S. military readiness or necessitate additional American personnel in Saudi Arabia.

However, the approval comes amidst concerns raised by U.S. intelligence officials regarding potential Chinese espionage. Reports suggest that intelligence analysts fear China could gain access to F-35 technology through espionage in Saudi Arabia or via its military and security partnerships with the kingdom.

This potential sale is seen by some security officials as potentially reopening avenues for expanding the Abraham Accords, a normalization agreement between Israel and several Arab nations.